Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I would like to share with you a story about a famous Chinese figure, Confucius. As one of the most influential philosophers in Chinese history, Confucius has left a profound impact on the world.

Confucius, whose real name was Kong Qiu, was born in 551 BC in the state of Lu, during the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. He was the son of a minor government official, and his family had a long tradition of studying the classics. Confucius himself was a highly educated man, and he spent his life spreading his ideas and educating others.

Confucius believed that the key to a harmonious society was the practice of “Ren,” which translates to “humaneness” or “benevolence.” He emphasized the importance of moral integrity, respect for others, and the fulfillment of one’s duties. According to Confucius, a person’s character was more important than their social status or wealth.

One of the most famous stories about Confucius is the tale of the “Rabbit and the Tortoise.” In this story, a rabbit boasts about his speed and challenges a slow-moving tortoise to a race. The rabbit, confident in his victory, takes a long nap during the race, while the tortoise, though slow, continues to move steadily towards the finish line. When the rabbit wakes up, he finds that the tortoise has already won the race. This story teaches us the importance of perseverance and humility.

Confucius also had a strong belief in the concept of “Moral Rectification,” which means that individuals should first correct their own behavior before trying to change others. He believed that a leader should be a role model for their people, and that a good leader should be just, kind, and wise.

Unfortunately, Confucius never saw his ideas implemented in his lifetime. After his death, his teachings were largely ignored for several centuries. However, in the 3rd century BC, Confucianism began to gain prominence, and it became the dominant philosophy in Chinese society for over two millennia.

Today, Confucianism continues to influence Chinese culture, politics, and education. Its principles of moral integrity, respect for others, and the fulfillment of one’s duties are still highly valued in modern China.

In conclusion, the story of Confucius teaches us the importance of moral values, perseverance, humility, and the power of leadership. His ideas have shaped the course of Chinese history and continue to inspire people around the world.

Thank you for listening.